Minutes Kent Narrows Development Foundation Board of] Directors Meeting May 28, 2024 For Board Review  Board Members Participating Jody Schulz, Chair (via Zoom) Joe Pomerantz, Vice Chair Patricia Worns, Secretary (via Zoom) Jakel Boulay Kim Hannon Kelly Phipps Jeff Smith Absent with Notice Victoria Hoffman, Treasurer Mike Foster Justin Kiernan Bill Oertel Jason Ruth  Commissioner Liaison Commissioner Phil Dumenil (absent with notice) Queen Anne's County Staff April Plummer, QAC Tourism Development  Guests  Linda Friday, Queen. Anne's County Chamber of Commerce Gerald Irby, Piney Narrows Marina Board Scott Davies, Narrows Pointe Community Kirby Schulz, Kent Narrows Rentals  Call to Order  Chair Jody Schulz called to order the regular meeting oft the Kent Narrows Development Foundation at 9:00 a.m. The meeting was conducted inj person and via Zoom.  Public Comment  Queen Anne's County Chamber  Linda Friday reported that the Chamber will hold its April Mixer here at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 24. It will also hold a legislative breakfast at thel Holiday Inn Express on April  where  25,  State Legislators will review the outcomes of the 2024 session.  1    Minutes RESOLUTION unanimously approved.  Pat Worns made a motion to accept the KNDFmeeting minutes of April 23, 2024. The Board  Financial Report (Victoria Hoffman)  The following balances are from financial reports ending 4/31/2024:  Shore United Checking Account: $67,571.84; QAC 570 Fund, $253,818.60; Amenities Fund, $67,191.36; Chesapeake Charities Fund, $7,923.31. Total assets are $396,505.11. Restricted funds balances: QACLand) Maintenance, $11,487.00; ESHI Grant, $1,500.00 and Safety Grant, $96,200. A discussion will be arranged with Chesapeake Charities and with Mid- Shore Community Foundation about moving funds tol Mid-Shore. $5,040. 00 remains set aside  for Dennison.  Economic and Tourism Development (April Plummer)  April Plummer reported on behalf oft the Tourism Division. The County visitor guides are Casey Sweitzer was hired to replace Angela Hortert, who left thej position in March. Cascy will report directly to April. Thej job description has been adjusted toi include more internal support functions for the The Tourism unit has contracted with Chesapeake Bay Magazine to produce seven, 11 1/2-minute vidcos. One will be dedicated to Kent Narrows.. April will work with Gigi on guidance for the producers of the QAC Tourism is closing the temporary Visitors Center: at Queenstown Outlets, since the Chesapeake  scheduled tol be delivered in May.  Tourism unit.  Kent Narrows video.  Heritage and Visitor Center has reopened. Parks and Public Landings  Planning for the Independence Day celebration at Kent Narrows on July 4i is underway.  Director's Report (Gigi Windley) Contracts for Mowing and Grounds Maintenance  Estimates were sent to Todd Mohn, but the final contracts and new estimates for 2024 are being rewritten. The employee who took over our account is trying to reconstruct some of the estimates that were in progress when thej previous manager left. KNDF asked: for changes in the some oft the language to ensure  that KNDF: is notified when services are: scheduled.  Update on Commuter Transit Service to and from Kent Narrows and Kent Island  2    The Maryland. Department ofTransportation Maryland Transit Administration issued aj news release announcing thej preservation of the Commuter Bus Service on all 361 routes that serve the region. After the public hearings, in which KNDF participated, the service on all routes will continue with reduced frequencies to connect riders from the suburbs to job centers in the metropolitan Baltimore and The new: schedules will take effect on July 1,2024. The following routes serve Kent Island 240: and the 250 originates and terminates in Kent Narrows. The 2101 bus originates and terminates directly. at the Park and Ride in Stevensville. Please click on the links to view andj print PDFS ofthe new: schedules. Link to view all Commuter Bus Schedules by route: htmhasmiamaiolamiseiommutrha,i,.  Washington region.  The  Links tol Kent Island and Kent Narrows Schedules: www for 210: KENTISLAND-A ANMAPOLERALTMORE  240: KNILAND-MASINCION DC (originates and ends at Kent Narrows lot) 250: KENTISLAND. & DAVIDSONVILLE-DC (originates and ends at Kent Narrows lot) The updated service plans includes fewer Commuter Bus trips across all Routes while retaining the Schedule adjustments were made to the buses serving Kent Narrows and Kent Island and have been designed to align with updated commuting pattems and ridership levels. Schedules are now multi-lingual. Riders needing additional information can call the Transit Information Contact Center: at 410-539-5000,  current span ofservice hours and geographic coverage.  htps/ww.mtamaylandgowhartidles/A46 oremail mmtthasdmtamaplam. gov New memorial erected at Wells Cove  The Veteran's 's Point Memorial is nearly complete. The arca: at the east end oft the landing at Wells Cove been renamed Veteran's Point at Wells Cove. The Memorial is dedicated tot the men and women who served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Thej project came about through a donation by the Earl and] Barbara Griffin Foundation. Earl Griffin was a Veteran of World War two and became a Commander oft the Veterans ofForeign Wars. He moved to Queen Annes County from PG County ini the 80's.The couple had no children and hel left funds in a charitable foundation of which Mike Fosteri is at trustce. Architect Meredith Waters designed the memorial. It was erected through Chester River) Landscaping. The formal dedication will bel held on' Veterans Day, 11/11 at 11 a.m. The Flag was raised on Memorial Day and the ceremony was arranged by Eric. Johnson, the Executive Director OfVAMUSA. The land that itis on belongs to Queen. Anne's County and isi managed through Parks and Public Landings. Gigi noted that the QACI Parks and public landings department will bel handling the upkeep oft the Wells  Cove area: and the site.  Kent Island Flags for Heroes Installation for Memorial Day  KII Rotary placed Flags on the Fisherman's Inn property as part oft their Memorial Day Flags for Heroes Programs. Thanks to all businesses who contributed. Since this program is just getting started, it is the hope that more flags will be placed around Kent Narrows next year. The Kent Island Rotary also placed groupings of flags at the Elks Lodge on Rt. 8 and along Rt. 201/50 ont thel DiDonato properties. The Foundation will request a meeting with the Rotary to: see how it can help expand the program. Efforts to attract at tour boat /water-taxi service tol Kent Narrows continues. Some outreach has occurred toward helping facilitate connections with Four Seasons, Castle Marina, and other  Tour Boat/Water Taxi  3    communities. Thel Parks and Public Landings Department has indicated the supplier wishes to use the public landings; agreements will need tol be drawn up. It may be that this  the Tour year,  Boat will work out of one oft the marinas here. Jake Brake Signs before 50/301 Bridge soon: as they are received.  Ken Fendor, MDOT, responded tol KNDF's request fori installing signs reminding drivers not to use. Jake Brakes on the: 50/301 bridge. Ken indicated by email that the signs have been ordered and will  go upas  Damage to Drawbridge and Plantings at Watermen's Monument  Thel Kent Narrows drawbridge arm and' Watermen's! Monument lawn and flower bed was damaged because ofay vehicle traveling at: a high rate ofs speed on MD 181 from the Chester Walgreens to Kent Narrows. The occupants of the vehicle robbed the Walgreens on Rt 18 in Chester. The incident around: 51 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17. IGG: What was outcome?. Arrests?]  happened  Reported to SHA  There is sand buildup on thet trail at the base oft the southeast side oft the drawbridge. Photos were: sent. The Watermen's Memorial Bridge sign was reported but remains damaged. Gigi will report again. Kelly Phipps pointed out that the lighting at the curve on Kent Narrows Way South needs to bei There is an area that is not well lit and is hazardous toj pedestrians. Gigi will contact Delmarva Power improved. to  Better Lighting Needed on Kent Narrows Way South  see ifsomething can be done: about it. Agritourism Focus Group  Gigi represented KNDF in ai focus group discussion on Agritourism foras study commissioned by the  QAC's Economic Development and' Tourism Division.  Rt 181 Plan Feedback Session  KNDF was represented at the Rt. 18 study public feedback session. The roads that MDOTI had for the Kent Narrows were not labeled correctly, so this caused some confusion. The problem seems tol be with the base maps that improperly continue Kent Narrows Road to the intersection of Route 18. The ground verified signed intersection is the intersection of Kent Narrows Way North, Kent Narrows KNDF noted this and made thej point that any changes willl have to accommodate travel lifts and be friendly to large vehicles and trailers that transport larger vessels. This must be a design consideration  South, Way  and Rt.18.  traffic circle at the foot oft the drawbridge remains an option.  ifa  Safety Grant Funds  Time has run out for the County toj provide the KNDF with the information, regulations, and placement plans for the: signage that was tol be paid for through the Safety Grant. Since the County has not had time to work with KNDF on ai messaging and placement plan, thej project is not able to be completed in the time frame required. The grant had originally been timed to match the original construction schedule for the CHVC project and was dependent on the landscaping and planning expertise ofNancy Scozzari. Her departure left a void that has notl been filled. The project was also being coordinated with a grant that was supposed toi improve the pathways through the Kent Narrows east parking lot. That project was awarded grant funds, but has notl happened, so that affected what KNDF planned to do. This mcans the Foundation  4    may have to return the grant funds that it received. Gigi will talk with the granting agency to see ifthere is anything cise that can be done to get an extension. The funds that were received fort this project are  restricted and have not been spent. Marketing and Promotion Update DELMARVA LIFE  KNDF is exploring thej possibility ofworking with WBOC to produce a new Delmarva Life Small Town series show that will focus on retail shops, ovemight stays, tour boats, and waterfront dining spots. The objectives are to build weekday business during the Fall travel season, and to showcase propertics for year-round visitation. Filming would occuri inl late August. KNDF would bet the: show sponsor and partners would pay for their segments individually. We would need five partners to make the show work.  Gigi will obtain additional information from WBOC. KENT NARROWS VISITORS GUIDE  Since 2023, KNDF has printed and distributed about 20,000 Kent Narrows Travel Guides. The guides have been updated several times during this period to accommodate both thej physical changes and the openings of new businesses and services here. Iwill be meeting with the designer on Thursday to refresh the look oft the book and toj provide morej pages that highlight the newi indoor and outdoor spaces that have become available for groups. Each Marina willl have: a full page, as will walk-in retail stores. We: are looking at upgrading the interior paper from newsprint stock to a better grade, but light-weight text stock. Iwould like toi increase the press run to atl least 6,000 which will cost $8,500. A higher quality paper  could add: about $1,000 tot the overall cost. Cost estimates were discussed.  Maryland Motorcoach  This year'ss group leader show conflicts with the Board Meeting. KNDF will not attend the group leader show but will send information ift the County Tourism Office attends. The KNDF will purchase an ad ora in MMC's Directory which will also look at sponsorship opportunities to give Kent Narrows visibility.  Gigi noted that Fall Senior travel is a growing market.  Resolution  Joe Pomerantz made a motion to renew the MMCmembership and toj purchase an adj for up to $645.00  in advertising or sponsorship this year. The Board unanimously approved.  Capital Region USA Each State -  CRUSA's Global Travel Exchange is scheduled: for September 16-18 in Charlottesville Va. The cost for registration is $1295. Cost per room is $179.00 plus tax (three-night stay) The room block closes 1. partners and together last year (FY 23) funded CRUSA: at al level of$1,300,000 in cash and in-kind investments. CRUSA is closely affiliated with Brand USA, the US Travel Association and the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade. Administration and Visit USA Committees. It was recommended to continue to work with the hotels to offer FIT rates to make the advance booking possible. Being engaged with CRUSA helps to build relationships with both domestic and interational travel trade and travel media. By virtue oft the State of Maryland developing and promoting the great Chesapeake Bay Loop, destinations on the Chesapeake Bay willl be illuminated through both regional and State focused promotions. Because oft this, Kent Narrows and popular nearby destinations have: al better chance of getting product on the shelfandi illustrated as a stop on on tour producer's maps.  July  MD, DC, VA - and Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority are considered primary  5    Resolution  JeffSmith made a motion to renew participation in the CRUSA's Global Travel Exchangefor2 2024.  The Board unanimously approved. Printed Materials Delivered  2000 ofthe updated Kent Narrows Maps were delivered. They include the new Veterans Memorial Site An mention of Kent Narrows appeared inl Northem Virginia Magazine. Kent Narrows Rentals was mentioned. The article was published online on May 13, 2024, by Rence Sklarew. asisa-EaawpiN Gigi reported that KNDF had a difficult time with interet connections and phone system connections due  and Brooke and. June Bridal. New contact info for Wells Cove Marina was added.  Earned Media  Administrative: OLDI BUSINESS  toi issues in the CHVC'ssystem. They havel been corrected.  Ramp Closure/Bay Bridge Traffic Management Town Hall  KNDF: attended the Town Hall on April 18 at Bayside Elementary School.  Maps were reviewed and comments from the public werel heard. The ramp closures and detours will affect the castern side of Kent Island. No closures are scheduled for thel Kent Narrows exits. Ramps from MD 8 to westbound US: 50/301 and) Duke St. to westbound US: 50/301 will be closed  Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays from 12p p.m. to6p.m.  These closures will bei in effect cach weckend from May 181 through September.  Detour signs willl bej posted, directing motorists to access westbound US 50/301 via Castle Marina Rd. Currently, there are no plans to close the Shopping Center Rd. (services area) ramp to westbound US  50/301. Short' Term Rentals  Gigi read the update on COUNTY ORDINANCE 24-09: A BILLI ENTITLED AN ACTCONCERNING Short-Term Residential Rentals in Queen Anne's County. On a motion made by Commissioner Dumenil, seconded by Commissioner Moran, the Board of County Commissioners agreed to refer the ordinance to the Planning Commission fori investigation and recommendation. A letter of support was sent from the KNDF. The Economic Development Commission took no official action tos support the ordinance. It formed a committee to study. No report from the committee was submitted on May 22, 2024, EDC meeting. The ordinance was scheduled for its initial reading at the Planning Commission Mecting that  was held on May 9. That agenda item was postponed.  6    COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 24-03. (TACO: 23-03). Al BILLI ENTITLED AN ACT CONCERNINGI the pier length extension review by the Queen. Anne's County Board of Appeals. The bill amends Article VI, $18:1-41 oft the Code of Public Local Laws of Queen Anne's County, Maryland. iss still awaiting action.  NEW BUSINESS  Businesses were advised to double check tax bills. At the most recent EDC meeting, Commissioner Wilson noted that there werei issues with incorrect information on the tax bills.  570 Fund Draw  A letter to the Commissioners requesting a draw on the 570 funds is being prepared. This will ensure that there are adequate funds in the KNDF checking account to cover operations until the  new funds are made available, usually in August.  Legislative Items  KNDF will follow the implementation of the Tourism Zone Legislation to determine ift the Kent Narrows WVC and Special Taxing District will bei impacted as the policies and associated  programs are assigned and developed. Business Round Robin Update  Jeff Smith reminded the group that the Motoring Festival will bel held June 15 and 16 at the Yacht Club. KNDF will set up an information table at the event and will supply welcome bags to the participants. Concours d'Elegancei is coming up in September. The Yacht Club is planning a Joe Pomerantz noted that he had obtained a quote for a Speed Gun for DNR to use exclusively in thel Kent Narrows Area. A discussion occurred related to methods that could slow the boats that are exceeding the speed limit. It was suggested that more "No Wake Zone" signs be posted. will invite the DNR officers to give a safety update at a future KNDF meeting. The Board can Gigi Kim Hannon had a new shirt designed which has an illustration that lists all of the restaurants in Joe Pomerantz noted that Piney Narrows had good occupancy and the pool is now open. Dan Irby is now thel Board president for Piney Narrows. A new storage shed was built. Kelly Phipps mentioned that a new pier will bel built at The Narrows Restaurant in late fall. Jake Bouley noted that Safe Harbor Marina is attracting more: active boaters. The discussion continued on developing another signature event for the Kent Narrows  carnival and may try to tum that into a Watermen's) Festival.  discuss the camera at that time.  Kent Narrows.  Waterfront.  7    RESOLUTION  Kim Hannon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The Boardagreed  The meeting adjourned at 10:53a.m. Respectfully submitted,  Georgeanna (Gigi) Windley, Executive Director Kent Narrows Development Foundation  Certification:  Ihereby certify that this is a true and correct copy oft thel Minutes that were adopted by the  Directors of this Foundation on June 25, 2024.  Patricia P. Wors, Secretary, KNDF  8